Retroflag GPi CASE FAQ - Common GPi Questions and Answers

The Retroflag GPi Case looks very similar to the original Game Boy, but it definitely doesn't play like one. The case features a 320px x 240px full-color display and requires a Raspberry Pi Zero. It's optimized for emulation software like RetroPie, so players can access a wide range of emulator cores.

In short, no. The Retroflag GPi requires a Raspberry Pi Zero or Zero W to work. It's up to you to install RetroPie and load games (referred to as ROMs) onto the Pi Zero. If you're not sure where to start, check out this list of free and legal ROMs then visit our guide on How to Add ROMs to the GPi.

To assemble the GPi, connect the Pi Zero to the IO conversion board, and screw the cartridge together. Put the cartridge in the GPi Case. Place 3 AA batteries in the back of the case. You will need a microSD card with a RetroPie image flashed to it in order to use the GPi. Visit our guide for detailed instructions on How to Set Up and Use the GPi Case.

ROMs can be transferred to the GPi over a network or with the MicroSD card connected to a computer via USB. To transfer ROMs over the network, you will need to enable SSH. Transferring via USB will require a MicroSD to USB adapter.

Yes, you can use rechargeable batteries in the GPi. We recommend using these NiMH rechargeable batteries. The GPi Case requires 3 AA batteries to operate. If you want to play on the go, a set of rechargeable batteries is your most efficient option.

The Retroflag GPi is a handheld system intended for emulating game files known as ROMs. There are many types of ROMs for a range of consoles and computer systems. If you're not sure where to get started, check out our list of free and legal ROMs.

The Retroflag GPi Case can use WiFi if it was assembled with a Raspberry Pi Zero W. WiFi can be used for over the network ROM transfers, OS updates, software installs, and more. If you're using a Raspberry Pi Zero, these features won't be available. Updates will need to be flashed to the GPi via USB.

The GPi relies on a Raspberry Pi Zero for processing power. The $5 computer may be small, but it packs an impressive punch. It easily emulates GameBoy and NES titles. In most cases, you can emulate Super Nintendo ROMs—but you may need to use frame skipping to improve performance.

The Raspberry Pi single-board computer has had built-in Bluetooth connectivity since the release of the Raspberry Pi 3 in 2016, allowing you to connect wireless peripherals such as keyboards, game controllers, headsets, and more to your device.
If you don’t have a model of Raspberry Pi that has Bluetooth built-in, you can use a third-party USB adapter to add support. You may need to install additional software packages to do this, depending on the adapter you use.
If you're using using Raspberry Pi OS (previously Raspbian), then Bluetooth should be enabled by default, but you'll need to follow these additional steps to connect and set up your devices.
These instructions will work for Raspberry Pi OS users, including Raspberry Pi OS Lite, which lacks a graphical desktop environment by default.